States Weekly: August 13, 2025

Newsletter by Aryan D'Rozario

Published August 13, 2025

Big News: Tamil Nadu announces establishment of the Tamil Nadu Health Foundation, Goa passes the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Bihar approves the development of a new Industrial Area, Delhi passes the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025, and Goa drafts a Comprehensive Policy on Bioenergy Production; and more.

Health 

Tamil Nadu announces establishment of the Tamil Nadu Health Foundation. The non-profit aims to mobilize community support and streamline fund utilization for government health facilities. The foundation serves as an institutional platform to receive and use donations from corporates, individuals, and other donors.

Source: DTnext

In detail: Govt Order Tamil Nadu Health Foundation

Climate Change and Energy

Bihar launches Biofuel Policy 2025. The policy aims to establish 10 compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Bihar by the end of this year, with an expected investment of over $173 million (INR 1,500 crore).

Source: Patna Press

Haryana approves HERC Electricity Supply Code Regulations, 2014 (Sixth Amendment). The amendment, notified by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), simplifies electricity-related procedures for farmers and promotes consumer-friendly governance.

Source: Times of India

In detail: HERC Electricity Supply Code Regulations, 2014 (Sixth Amendment)

Maharashtra approves new Hybrid Power Project. The state sets aside 4.90 hectares of reserved forest land to develop a 100 MW hybrid power project at the Middle Vaitarna dam in Palghar district. The project combines 20 MW of hydroelectric power with 80 MW of floating solar energy and is expected to generate approximately 208 million units of electricity annually.

Source: Free Press Journal

Maharashtra releases the MERC (Maharasthra Electricity Regulatory Commission) Draft Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) and Related Matters Regulations, 2025. The mechanism proposes significant changes to deviation accounting, scheduling, dispatch, and financial settlements in the state's power sector.

Source:Mercom

In detail: MERC (Deviation Settlement Mechanism and related matters) Regulations, 2025

Rajasthan approves new Power Substation. The new high-capacity power substation will be in Jaisalmer district and covers an area of 80 hectares. The decision is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to strengthen power infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity supply across western Rajasthan, especially in remote areas along the border.

Source: Economic Times

In detail: Chief Minister Press Release

Chhattisgarh revises its flagship Half Electricity Bill Scheme. Under the revised guidelines, consumers now receive 50 percent relief on electricity consumption up to 100 units per month, replacing the earlier provision of relief on up to 400 units.

Source: Editorji

In detail: Press Release

Goa passes the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill introduces strict new rules to regulate waste disposal and combat pollution in the state. The bill imposes fines and jail terms for offenders who dump waste illegally in public or private areas, water bodies, and drains.

Source: The Logical Indian

In detail: The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Goa drafts a Comprehensive Policy on Bioenergy Production. The draft policy focuses on encouraging investments in various bioenergy technologies such as biogas, biomass power, and liquid biofuels. It offers incentives including financial assistance, streamlined approval processes, and facilitation of land acquisition

Source: Bioenergy

Kerala approves Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) approves a proposal from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to set up grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at four key substations across the state. This project is part of Kerala's broader strategy to integrate battery energy storage into its power infrastructure.

Source: Saur Energy

In detail: KSERC Order

Finance

Nothing critical to report this week

Industrial Policy and Business Regulations

Andhra Pradesh launches a 72-hour Clearance Policy. The new policy mandates that all eligible high-rise building proposals, defined as structures with 12 or more floors, including Transferable Development Rights (TDR) floors, are approved within a strict Service Level Agreement (SLA) of three days to accelerate urban development and streamlines processes.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Andhra Pradesh 72-Hour Clearance Policy

Andhra Pradesh releases draft scheme for Electric Components Production. The draft scheme offers $600 million (INR 5262 crores) in incentives to boost local manufacturing of electronics components. Electronics components firms looking to set up factories will be offered land at a discount of 75 percent and will not have to pay taxes on electricity consumption for the first six years.

Source: Economic Times

Bihar approves new Bihar Textile and Leather Policy. The policy aims to drive industrial growth and expand employment opportunities in the state, offering a range of incentives to attract investors. Under the policy, industries can access up to 30 percent assistance on plant and machinery costs, capped at $3.42 million (INR 30 crores), as a capital grant.

Source: Patna Press

Bihar approves the development of a new Industrial Area. This project is carried out under the supervision of the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) and spans 700 acres of land in Muzaffarpur, with a focus on agricultural-based industries, given the regions strong agricultural base.

Source: Indian masterminds

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Maharashtra allows grain-based liquor manufacturing. The state approves the manufacture of grain-based liquor and decides to revive closed and underutilized potable liquor license (PLL) units by permitting them to run at full capacity. The decision is expected to generate additional revenue of around $4342.4 million.

Source: Hindu Business line

In detail: Maharashtra decisions

Maharashtra approves the Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025. The policy sets an ambitious target of nurturing 125,000 entrepreneurs and 50,000 startups over the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth across all regions and sectors.

Source: Elets

In detail: Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025

Tamil Nadu expands the list of "White Category" Industries. The new list grows from 36 to 609 industries. Industries under the White Category are exempt from obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) licenses from the Pollution Control Board to start a business. The expansion will result in faster clearances.

Source:Hindu Business Line

In detail:Types of Industries Categorized under White Category by TNPCB

Uttar Pradesh approves several policy proposals. The Uttar Pradesh Footwear, Leather and Non-Leather Area Development Policy 2025 aims to attract more investment in the leather industry, modernize technology, and introduce training programs for workers. The UP MSME Audyogik Aasthan Prabandhan (Allotment) Policy aims to allot land at low rates to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a bidding process.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Uttar Pradesh cabinet decisions (in Hindi)

Goa approves Goa Startup Policy 2025. The policy mandates government departments to engage with startups to collaborate on projects and create strong public-private partnerships. It also encourages entrepreneurship among women.

Source: Times of India

Meghalaya approves amendments to the Meghalaya Excise Rules. The rules introduce new provisions for the licensing and regulation of fermented country liquor, such as traditional rice beer.

Source: East Mojo

Punjab adds 24 sectoral committees to help formulate a customized industrial policy. The committees will be responsible for drafting policies for each sector, shifting decision-making power from the bureaucracy to small and large business owners.

Source: Times of India

Land Acquisition and Labor Regulations

Karnataka notifies amendments to the Zonal Regulations of the Revised Master Plan (RMP), 2015 for Bengaluru's Local Planning Area (LPA). The notification revises permissible stilt height, earlier referred to as "less than 2.4m," to "up to 3m." Similarly, the maximum permissible height for certain building components where the stilt height was set at 11.5m is revised to 12m.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Karnataka gazette notification

Goa passes the Goa Regularization of Unauthorized Construction (Amendment) Bill 2025. The bill aims to regularize unauthorized constructions on "comunidade" lands. Comunidade land refers to a system of communal land ownership and management in Goa, where land is collectively held by a community and governed by its members.

Source: Hindustan Times

In detail: Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Manipur notifies several mandatory safety provisions. The new rules make it compulsory for factories to obtain the written consent of women to work night shifts, install proper lighting and CCTV cameras on the premises, and arrange secure transportation for women employees working late.

Source: Hindustan Times

Meghalaya amends mandatory safety provisions. The state amends rules adopted earlier this year on women workers. The new rules make it compulsory for factories to obtain the written consent of women to work night shifts, install proper lighting and CCTV cameras on the premises, and arrange secure transportation for women employees working late.

Source: Times of India

In detail: Govt notification

Infrastructure and Governance

Andhra Pradesh passes several key policy proposals. The state approves the Transport, Roads, and Buildings Department's proposal to implement the "Free Bus Travel" scheme for women, girls, and transgender individuals from mid-August, via AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses. The state also approves the AP Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy 2024-2029 to establish the state as a tech hub post-the bifurcation of Hyderabad. The cost-based incentive strategy targets major companies by leveraging infrastructure and talent. Lastly, the state offers incentives for handloom workers, including 200 units of free electricity for handlooms, 500 units for power looms, and 5 percent GST reimbursement.

Source: South First

Delhi passes the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025. The bill makes it mandatory for all private schools to seek government approval before raising tuition fees.

Source: India Today

In detail: Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025

Maharashtra passes several key policy proposals. The state approves the Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025. The initiative is designed to encourage skill development, promote entrepreneurship, and support innovation across various sectors. Additionally, a policy for disposing of unviable government land, including small, narrow, inaccessible, or landlocked plots unsuitable for construction, is sanctioned.

Source: Entrepreneur

Tamil Nadu releases the State Education Policy (SEP). The policy commits to Tamil Nadu's two-language formula. The formula mandates Tamil and English usage in schools. The policy omits the National Education Policy's three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a compulsory subject.

Source: NDTV

In detail: Tamil Nadu State Education Policy 2025

Arunachal Pradesh announces new State Youth Policy 2025. The policy contains nine Youth Development Goals (YDGs) including ensuring quality education, preserving local culture and environments, and ensuring sustainable employment opportunities.

Source: Free Press Journal

In detail: Chief Minister's X Post

Goa approves 'Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana' (Women's Digital Empowerment Scheme). The primary objective of the scheme is to promote digital literacy among women, enabling them to access and leverage a range of online services such as e-governance, digital payments, telemedicine, and online education.

Source: Herald Goa

In detail: Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana

Goa passes several key bills. The Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, and the City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 simplify the process of repairing or rebuilding homes and buildings in villages and towns and in the state capital of Panaji. Goa also passes the Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, which allows commercial business activities to be carried out on a 24-hour basis.

Source: Times of India

In detail: The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2025

Jammu and Kashmir introduces The Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Bye-Laws Rural Bill, 2025. The proposed bill aims to regulate construction activities in areas falling under Panchayats (rural governing councils).

Source: Kashmir Life

In detail: Jammu and Kashmir Unified Building Bye-Laws Rural, 2025

Water and Sanitation

Nothing critical to report this week

Center - State Relations

The Union government sanctions funds for Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas. The funds, amounting to $22.22 million (INR 195 crores), will support the construction, upgradation, and maintenance of rural roads and related infrastructure in remote, forested, and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.

Source: News riveting

In detail: Press release

The Union government approves upgrades for key Eastern Highway. The new 4-lane wide road will connect Marakkanam in Tamil Nadu to Puducherry, and help decongest National Highway 332A, which connects Chennai to Puducherry to Naggapattinam.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Press release

Any Other

Bihar approves the Bihar State School Teacher (Appointment, Transfer, Disciplinary Action & Service Conditions) (Amendment) Rules 2025. The policy mandates residents of Bihar will be given preferential treatment for appointments as schoolteachers in the state.

Source: The Hindu

In detail: Cabinet decisions

Programs & Projects